An unnamed chief inspector, who allegedly trawled a website looking for sex while advertising himself dressed in police uniform, was sacked today.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said that a central London-based 46-year-old Met officer was dismissed, following a two-day hearing into claims of gross misconduct.

He was found to have violated MPS standards of behaviour relating to discreditable conduct off duty, the commission noted.

"The breaches relate to claims made to members of the public on an interactive dating website that he was a serving police officer and that he had committed criminal offences including drug-taking and a sexual offence," said the IPCC.

"He was also found to have used his position as a uniformed police officer to have advertised himself online in an attempt to meet sexual partners while in uniform."

The IPCC added that an earlier probe carried out by Kent Police failed to find sufficient evidence to pursue any criminal allegations against the chief inspector.

“Police officers, by virtue of the powers vested in them, hold positions of authority and trust in our communities," said IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin. “Those who discredit their role cannot expect to continue to serve the public, and, as in this case, they should be dismissed.” ®